ANCC Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam Prep

Answer - B - Incentive spirometry and deep breathing are the preferred techniques for lung expansion with these clients. Vigorous coughing is discouraged for post-CABG clients because it may increase intrathoracic pressure and cause instability in the sterna area (Choice A). Premedication before ambulation (Choice C) will facilitate activity intolerance, not effective breathing pattern; auscultating lungs (Choice D) will detect adventitious lung sounds resulting from the ineffective breathing pattern, but it is not an action to encourage effective breathing pattern